Regina Minute: Housing Developments, Derelict Properties, and REAL Options Upcoming

Regina Minute - Your weekly one-minute summary of Regina politics

This Week In Regina:

• There are no Council or Committee meetings this week, but the Regina Appeal Board will meet on Thursday at 5:30 pm.
  
  
• The City of Regina is considering a new tax policy targeting derelict properties and vacant downtown parking lots to encourage development and reduce blight. Community leaders expressed optimism about the proposal, highlighting how boarded-up houses in neighbourhoods like North Central and Heritage contribute to safety and social issues. The idea, first proposed by former City Councillor Andrew Stevens, aims to financially incentivize landowners to actively use their properties rather than allowing them to deteriorate.
  
  
• Namerind Housing Corp. is moving forward with plans to redevelop a downtown parking lot into affordable housing after a decade of delays. The new proposal includes four three-story buildings with 48 units. The project, aimed at providing below-market housing for Indigenous residents, follows a previous, larger plan that was abandoned due to shifting commercial real estate trends and construction costs. The application for the new plan is open for public response until February 28th, and construction could begin by the end of the year.

Last Week In Regina:

• Mayor Chad Bachynski delivered his first State of the City address, focusing on future growth and the economy. He outlined key priorities for the next four years, including safety, affordability, infrastructure, and homelessness. Bachynski emphasized attracting more business investment, events, and residents to support Regina's economy and infrastructure. He highlighted ongoing projects such as the indoor aquatic facility, joint-use schools, and downtown revitalization.
  
  
• Council has directed a review of the future of the Regina Exhibition Association Limited (REAL) to address its ongoing financial issues. The review will explore options such as dissolving REAL, integrating it into the City, or implementing a new governance model. The City has already provided significant financial support to REAL, including $22.3 million since 2023. A final decision on the organization’s future is expected to be made based on detailed reports and community feedback over the next 18 months.
  
  
• Council debated for nearly four hours over a proposed 18-unit rental complex near the Regina International Airport. Concerns have been raised by local residents and the airport authority due to its location in a high-noise area, as well as concerns about noise complaints affecting airport operations. Ultimately, Council voted in a tie, resulting in the motion being defeated. The developer, who had already faced delays, can still build a smaller complex under current zoning rules.